Leviticus and Numbers have repeatedly mentioned the severe physical ritual impurity of corpse contamination (Lev. 21:1–4, 11; Num. 5:2; 6:6–12; 9:6–12), the possibility of purification from it on the seventh day after defilement (Num. 6:9), and the means of cleansing through sprinkling water of purification (Num. 8:7; cf. v. 21). Numbers 19 explains the nature of the water and specifics of the sprinkling. A comprehensive remedy for corpse contamination comes as a relief after all the deaths that have occurred from chapter 11 onward.

Numbers 19:1–10 outlines the procedure for producing the most powerful active ingredient in the “water of purification,” which is the cleansing agent. This ingredient consists of ashes of a reddish cow that is sacrificed as “a purification offering” (19:9 NRS…